Christmas events wonderful

November 28, 2007

To the editor - On behalf of the Aberdeen Downtown Association, I would like to thank all those who helped make the First Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Sixth Annual Parade of Lights another successful event. Our gratitude to Randy Grismer who spearheaded the tree-lighting event. Sincere thanks to those who donated materials and assistance: Wal-Mart, Shopko, K-Mart, John Aman, Scott Sauer, Aaron Kiesz/city forester and Centennial Homes. Thank you to the performers: Aberdeen Men's Chorus, Steven Warseha (singing bartender) and Randy and the Rangers. Our appreciation to the Aberdeen National Guard Armory for giving a short program and lighting the tree. Our appreciation to those who participated in the parade: Miss Aberdeen, S.D. Snow Queen, Dacotah Bank, Women of Today, Gift of Life, Ivey Family, Reflections, Aberdeen Family YMCA, Good Shepard Lutheran Church, CHS Drum line, LFA Marketing & Entertainment Agency, Hub City Radio, Alexander Mitchell Public Library, National Guard Armory, Aberdeen Fire Department and Police Department. Special thanks to Santa and Mrs. Claus, Bill and Linda Schlosser, for providing the horse-drawn wagon for Claus's transportation. Special contributors to this event were Dacotah Bank, Brown County Fairgrounds, Pauer Sound, Muth Electric, the city of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, Harr Motors, the Capitol Theater (marquee lights), Blackstone Developers, the Ward Plaza and Salvation Army. Well done American News and Hub City Radio. I would like to thank our volunteers Jon and Jennifer Slaight-Hansen, Kurt Smith, Ann and Kirk Wullweber. Georgia Smith Executive Director, Aberdeen Downtown Association